Nasarawa State University Keffi Inducts Pioneer Postgraduate Medical Geology Students
By Roseline Okafor _ Nasarawa
Nasarawa State University Keffi (NSUK) has recently inducted its inaugural cohort of postgraduate students specializing in Medical Geology. This event marks a significant milestone for the university and the broader academic community, highlighting the growing importance of interdisciplinary science.
The induction ceremony took place during a special lecture series presented by Hajiya Fatima Umar Shinkafi, Executive Secretary and CEO of the Solid Minerals Development Fund.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Sa’adatu Hassan Liman, highlighted the initiative’s potential to address critical global challenges such as environmental health risks, geogenic diseases, and sustainable resource management.
This program bridges geology and public health, offering a unique opportunity for students to explore the intersection of these fields.
Deputy Governor Dr. Emmanuel Agbadu Akabe commended the university’s management for initiating programs that promote innovation and research.
He assured that the government would continue to support the institution to succeed, recognizing the importance of education and research in driving development.
In her lecture, “Mining, Chemicals, and Economic Diversification,” Hajiya Fatima Umar Shinkafi emphasized the potential of this approach to drive economic growth and development.
She noted that economic diversification can help reduce dependence on a single industry or sector, increasing resilience and sustainability.
She urged students to be creative and entrepreneurial, exploring multiple sources of income rather than relying solely on government jobs.
According to Shinkafi, by exploring this intersection, students can develop solutions to environmental health risks and geogenic diseases, improving the well-being of communities.
“This approach can help individuals develop and improve living standards, achieving long-term prosperity”
By leveraging mining, chemicals, and economic diversification, Nasarawa State can create new industries, jobs, and opportunities for growth.
The university’s postgraduate medical geology program is a step in the right direction, equipping students with the knowledge and skills to drive innovation and development.
Prof. Kit’so Nghargbi, who is the first medical geology in Nigeria said, and coordinator of the program, emphasised that the program’s focus on medical geology highlights the importance of understanding the relationship between geology and public health.
As the students embark on this academic journey, they are poised to become leaders in their field, driving innovation and development in Nasarawa State and beyond.
Other speakers at the event said with the support of the university and government, the institution can unlock their potential and contribute to the state’s economic growth and prosperity.
